From giant stars in front of Notre-Dame Basilica to interactive light art in the Quartier des spectacles, Montreal glows all December. Here’s where to see the best Christmas lights in Montreal in 2026, plus a walking route through downtown.
Confirm dates with each organizer before you go.
LUMINO in the Quartier des spectacles
Montreal’s signature winter light event transforms the Quartier des spectacles and downtown into an open-air gallery of some thirty interactive light installations. Many react to movement, touch or sound, which kids love.
- Dates: November 26, 2026 to March 7, 2027 (listed, to be confirmed)
- Hours: Daily from dusk to 11 p.m.
- Price: Free
- Metro: Place-des-Arts or Saint-Laurent
It’s right next to the Great Christmas Market, so you can see both in one evening. Markets guide
Old Montreal
Old Montreal is at its most beautiful in December. Look for the giant illuminated stars on Place d’Armes in front of Notre-Dame Basilica, garlands and lit windows along Saint-Paul Street, and the lights of Place Jacques-Cartier. On some evenings, Cité Mémoire’s historical projections appear on building walls. Inside the basilica, the AURA light and sound show runs all year (tickets required). Old Montreal at Christmas
Festilumi at Marché Central
Festilumi is a 1.5 km outdoor light trail through more than a dozen themed worlds, with millions of lights, at Marché Central in the north of the city. Created by Normand Latourelle, the founder of Cavalia, it opened in September 2025, after the Illumi light show in Laval closed, and it returned on August 14, 2026 with a new maze and new worlds.
- Where: Marché Central, 315 Rue du Marché-Central
- Price: Ticketed; buy online
- Parking: Free on site
- Good to know: Allow 60 to 90 minutes. The trail includes some strobe lighting.
Note: Illumi in Laval closed permanently in January 2024 and is not running this year.
Downtown lights walking route
This walk takes about an hour.
- Central Station: start under the station’s holiday decorations.
- Dorchester Square: lit trees and an illuminated bridge.
- Sainte-Catherine Street: walk east under the snowflake lights, past Christ Church Cathedral and the Eaton Centre.
- McGill College Avenue: look north for the view toward Mount Royal.
- Place des Festivals: finish at the Great Christmas Market and the LUMINO installations in the Quartier des spectacles.
Neighbourhood lights
- Mont-Royal Avenue (Plateau): the Mon Beau Sapin square of lights and music.
- Wellington Street (Verdun): a lively, decorated pedestrian-friendly street.
- Westmount and the Plateau: residential streets with beautifully decorated homes.
Tips
- Go between 4 and 7 p.m. It’s dark by about 4:15 p.m. in late December, and you’ll beat the evening crowds.
- Dress for standing around. Lights are best enjoyed slowly. See our weather guide.
- Photograph after a snowfall. Fresh snow makes the lights glow.
